The government of Cabo Verde has declared two days of national mourning following a bus accident on the island of Fogo that killed 25 people and left 14 others hospitalised.
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho in remarks to Cabo Verde Television (TCV), as cited by Lusa. 'We are declaring two days of national mourning given the scale of this tragedy,' the prime minister stated, adding that the bus had been carrying 39 people at the time of the accident.
According to Francisco Carvalho, 14 young people remain hospitalised, two of whom are in a condition requiring heightened medical attention. In response to the accident, the government established a crisis cabinet and deployed a team of 16 doctors, nurses, and other specialists to reinforce assistance to victims on Fogo island.
Cape Verdean authorities are also in contact with international partners regarding the possible transfer of patients requiring specialised medical care. The government additionally announced psychological support and assistance for the families of victims, in coordination with municipal and local authorities.
According to the Municipality of São Filipe, the bus was transporting students on an excursion when it left the road and fell approximately 30 metres in the locality of Campanas de Cima, in the municipality of Santa Catarina do Fogo.
The Ministry of Education clarified that the outing had not been organised by schools. According to authorities, it was an excursion that the driver customarily organised with students he transported during the school term.
Of the 25 fatalities, 20 died at the scene of the accident and a further five died at the Hospital Regional São Francisco de Assis. The municipality of São Filipe also declared two days of local mourning and announced support measures for affected families.
The Red Cross of Cabo Verde mobilised medical and emergency teams, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) made available psychologists specialised in emergency situations. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is also expected to send a team to assess the needs of children, adolescents, and their families affected by the tragedy.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/07/mundo/africa/cabo-verde-governo-decreta-luto-nacional-apos-acidente-que-matou-25-pessoas/
